Bladder cancer can often be successfully treated if it
is found and treated early. And most bladder cancer is found early.

This topic is about the most common type of bladder cancer, called transitional cell cancer. This is cancer that starts in the inner layer of the bladder. It happens most often in people who are in their 60s or older.

Experts don't know what
causes bladder cancer. But smoking cigarettes or being exposed to certain chemicals raises your risk. And like other cancers, changes in the DNA of your
cells seem to play a role.

Blood in the urine is the
main symptom. Other symptoms may include having to urinate often or feeling
pain when you urinate.

These symptoms can be caused by other
problems, including a
urinary tract infection. Always call your doctor if
you see blood in your urine.

Ask about your medical history and do a
physical exam, including a vaginal or rectal exam.

Test your urine
to look for blood or abnormal cells.

Do a
cystoscopy, a test that lets your doctor look into
your bladder with a thin, lighted viewing tool. Small tissue samples (biopsies) are taken and looked at under a microscope
to find out if there are cancer cells.

Treatment choices for bladder
cancer include:

Surgery to remove any cancer. Sometimes
lasers or other methods can be used to get rid of tumors.